What is the Next Generation Academy (NGA) ?

The Next Generation Academies (NGA's) are a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs aimed at the attraction, retention and development of all talented players (both male and female), whilst growing participation in the under-represented segments of our community.

A key objective of the NGA's is to increase the talent pool of Indigenous and Multicultural players, groups that are under-represented in the AFL comparative to the population.

Each AFL Club has a designated region, with this talent pathways program presents an opportunity for the Western Bulldogs to engage directly with prospects Western Melbourne, Wimmera, Mallee, South West Victoria, Ballarat regions.

The Bulldogs have NGA hubs in Ballarat, Hamilton, Horsham, Warrnambool and Footscray.

The key principles underpinning the work of the Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy are:

1. To attract more children who would otherwise not play the game of Australin Rules Football or are underrepresented in the AFL talent pathways.

2. To reflect key multicultural segments in program participants that are currently underrepresented in the game, specifically young footballers of Asian and African backgrounds.

4. Provide talent offerings for 11-15 year olds to compete with other sports and grass root programs in conjunction with AFL Goldfields, AFL Western District, AFL Wimmera and the Inner West of Melbourne (WRFL)

5. Expand on the above talent offerings for Indigenous and Multicultural participants up to 18 years old.